February 5, 2025

The most important focus right now is the people who are suffering and dying from treatable illnesses and preventable famine. Some people in power want to look clever and show off, yet it has no benefit. Let us not make hardness of heart the norm. It puts the icy grip of fear on each and every heart when the vulnerable are attacked and abandoned, setting a poor example for the world. This is all the more true of the long-suffering people of Gaza, whose families, like all families, want to return home to their own land passed down to them by their grandparents. We must reach out, person to person, to express our solidarity. Amen.

Mark 6:1-6

Initially the people in the synagogue are amazed by Jesus, his wisdom, and his “mighty deeds” that defy the worldly order, but when they begin to think about his beginnings with his earthly family, their worldly perspective takes over. Jesus’ words coming from the Holy Spirit clash with their worldly image of Jesus, and they respond with outrage.  Jesus is amazed by their “lack of faith.”  Here “faith” does not mean blind acceptance; it means connection with the Holy Spirit and listening with open heart.  He is amazed they are so closed off and, in a way, bigoted.  We can draw lessons from this today, in seeing how the worldly view can create blindness and obstacles to compassion, even for people who meet Jesus in person.

We must have patience, keep the flame of kindness alive, and do what we can for one another.